Smart resistance bands system

ABSTRACT

A smart resistance bands system including a resistance-band and exercise-attachment combination. The smart resistance bands system is further equipped with wireless connectivity capabilities and is in communication with a network and at least one smart device. The resistance-bands include a sensor system configured to track user parameters, workout metrics, and communicate data directly to the at least one smart device. The resistance-bands may be used for interactive workouts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment and more specifically relates to resistance bands.

2. Description of Related Art

Exercise is a task that people should endure on a regular basis. With people's busy schedules, any simplification to the exercise routines aids helps entice people to exercise. Resistance bands are one of the most effective forms of exercise for performing lower body, upper body and core conditioning. Resistance bands may be even more effective than a set of dumbbells, because it improves strength and balance. Furthermore, the ability to work in a full range of motion with resistance bands targets muscles that can be missed with weights. A full-body, strength-training workout can be done without going to the gym. This portable piece of exercise equipment has become highly popular, especially to those who are short on time, short on cash, and short on space.

Due to its portability, flexibility, and light weight, the resistance band is travel friendly, enabling people to continue their work out regime while on vacation or on a business trip. However, resistance bands lack technology to bring work outs to the next level. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,287,434 to Vyacheslav Zavadsky relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating strength training. The described method and apparatus for facilitating strength training includes a strength training exercise which is facilitated by a video gaming system (VGS). VGS communicates information about the exercise resistance force with an exercise device. Strength training machine coupled with the VGS and acts as a game controller. The machine provides resistance by an electrical motor. Resistance can be adjusted using data send from the VGS. Further, the resistance can pulsate during an exercise motion, providing internal muscle massage. The video gaming system uses a non-contact method to monitor a physiological parameter of the user. For example, a video camera is used to detect heart rate. Pose tracking information is used to detect the level of user exhaustion. Those and other monitored parameters are used to adjust the regime for either current or future exercises. The regime is optimized to increase workout efficiency. An activity not directly related to exercise, for example game, is unlocked if exercise performance is on track.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known exercise equipment art, the present disclosure provides a novel smart resistance bands system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a smart resistance band with built in technology that will have the capacity to connect users to company networks and social media platforms.

A smart resistance bands system is disclosed herein. The smart resistance bands system includes a smart resistance band system comprising a resistance-band including a first-end and a second-end. The second-end is opposite the first-end and a length is defined therebetween. The first-end includes an attachment-clip, and the second-end is attached to an exercise-attachment and a power source. The exercise-attachment may be removably attached or fixed to the second-end of the resistance-band. The smart resistance bands system is further equipped with wireless connectivity (BLUETOOTH®) capabilities and is in communication with a network and at least one smart device. The resistance-bands include a sensor system configured to track user parameters, workout metrics, and communicate data directly to the at least one smart device.

A method of using smart resistance bands system is also disclosed herein. The method of using smart resistance bands system may comprise the steps of: providing a resistance-band including a first-end, a second-end opposite the first-end and a length defined therebetween, the first-end including an attachment-clip, and the second-end being attached to an exercise-attachment; and communicating power from a power source; wherein the smart resistance bands system is further equipped with wireless connectivity capabilities and is in communication with a network and at least one smart device; and wherein the resistance-bands include a sensor system configured to track user parameters, workout metrics, and communicate data directly to the at least one smart device; pairing the resistance-band and the exercise-attachment to the at least one smart device; attaching the resistance-band to a workout machine; performing a workout using the resistance-band and the exercise-attachment; and removing.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a smart resistance bands system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the smart resistance bands system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the smart resistance bands system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the smart resistance bands system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the smart resistance bands system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the smart resistance bands system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to exercise equipment and more particularly to a smart resistance bands system as used to improve the use of resistance bands for interactive work outs individually or as a community with other users over a network or platform. Group exercises, classes, and other work out systems may use the smart resistance bands system.

Generally, smart resistance bands system includes a resistance-band having sensors and wireless connectivity for use in interactive workout. The resistance-band may be connected to a mobile device or smart device. The system may use BLUETOOTH Low Energy, however, may utilize other communication methods for applications requiring enhanced range or advanced networking features. The process for pairing the sensors to the user device is essentially the same as any BLUETOOTH device. The motion sensor is placed into advertise mode, which allows it to be discoverable by a compatible device, which then reads and displays the unique ID of each sensor. Once displayed, the user is prompted to select a particular sensor to connect to and assign its data stream to a specific function, typically the left or right foot/boot, handgrip, bicycle pedal, etc. as appropriate for the workout program being performed.

On the user device, a mobile application is provided to receive motion data, perform various analysis on it and present relevant performance metrics in accordance with the user's personal goals, with possible input from an instructor or as part of a networked “virtual” class. With further development, this data, or various routines that were performed, and be stored, shared or replayed via subscription-based network access.

The smart resistance bands motion sensor system is comprised of a pair of sensor tag development boards and (preferably) an Android tablet running a customized app. The RF link utilizes the BLUETOOTH Low Energy protocol as defined in the BLUETOOTH® 4.0 and newer device specification. This is the preferred air interface owing to its low cost, ultra-low power consumption, moderate range and wide adoption across user devices, particularly iOS, Android and Windows platforms. The system need not be restricted to BLUETOOTH Low Energy, however, and could utilize other communication methods for applications requiring enhanced range or advanced networking features.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of a smart resistance bands system 100. FIG. 1 shows a smart resistance bands system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the smart resistance bands system 100 may include a resistance-band 110 including a first-end 112 and a second-end 118. The second-end 118 is opposite the first-end 112 and a length is defined therebetween. The first-end 112 includes an attachment-clip 114, and the second-end 118 is attached to an exercise-attachment 130 and a power source. The power source may be a battery and power management function. The exercise-attachment 130 may be removably attached or fixed to the second-end 118 of the resistance-band 110.

The smart resistance bands system 100 is further equipped with wireless connectivity (BLUETOOTH®) capabilities and is in communication with a network and at least one smart device 10. The resistance-band 110 may be connected to the smart device 10 using pairing. The resistance-bands 110 include a sensor system 140 configured to track user parameters, workout metrics, and communicate data directly to the at least one smart device 10. The system includes memory configured to store the data and workout history. Data may be stored on a cloud.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the smart resistance bands system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the smart resistance bands system 100 may include resistance-band 110 with built-in technology providing the capacity to connect users to company networks and social media platforms in order to take their workouts to the next level. The smart resistance bands system 100 further includes a software application hosted on the smart device 10 and in communication with the resistance-band providing the interactive exercise. A plurality of the resistance-band 110 are configured to be connected over the network for the interactive exercise and group classes. The sensor system 140 includes a microprocessor, programmable RAM and short-link radio technology.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the smart resistance bands system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the smart resistance bands system 100 may include resistance-bands 110 with integrated BLUETOOTH® technology and a sensor system 140 for tracking workout metrics including repetitions, sets, level of resistance, velocity, and duration of workout. The sensor system 140 includes an integrated 6-axis gyroscope/accelerometer providing means to sense movement. Data from the accelerometer is read by the microprocessor running suitable embedded firmware and transmitted to the user device via a Bluetooth Low Energy link. As shown in FIG. 3, the resistance-band 110 includes adjustable features positioned at the first-end 112 and/or the second-end 118 for varying levels of resistance thus eliminating the need to have multiple resistance accessories in order to increase and decrease the level of resistance throughout workouts.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the smart resistance bands system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the smart resistance bands system 100 may include the resistance-band 110 including the first-end 112 and a second-end 118. The second-end 118 is opposite the first-end 112 and the length defined therebetween. The second-end 118 is attached to the exercise-attachment 130. In one embodiment, the exercise-attachment 130 includes a foot-section 160 configured to receive and support a foot of a user on a platform 162. The foot-section 160 includes at least one adjustable-strap 164 and platform 162. The platform 162 includes a stopper 166 and an open-end 168 opposing the stopper 166.

The resistance-band 110 is configured to be used in combination with an exercise machine to provide an interactive exercise. The resistance-band 110 may be attached to an exercise machine using the attachment-clip 114 which preferably includes a carabiner. The resistance-band 110 and exercise-attachment 130 may be used for many different workouts in combination with various workout systems. The exercise-attachment 130 may be interchangeable with the resistance-band 110 and include a series of adjustable fitting for multiple purposes such as hand-grip-attachments, foot-attachments, bicycle pedal, boxing mitts, and the like.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 550 illustrating a method of using 500 a smart resistance bands system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the method of using 500 a smart resistance bands system 100 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing a resistance-band 110 including a first-end 112, a second-end 118 opposite the first-end 112 and a length defined therebetween, the first-end 112 including an attachment-clip 114, and the second-end 118 being attached to an exercise-attachment 130, and communicating power from a power source. Wherein the smart resistance bands system 100 is further equipped with wireless connectivity capabilities and is in communication with a network and at least one smart device 10. Wherein the resistance-bands 110 include a sensor system 140 configured to track user parameters, workout metrics, and communicate data directly to the at least one smart device 10; step two 502, pairing the resistance-band 110 and the exercise-attachment 130 to the at least one smart device 10; step three 503, attaching the resistance-band 110 to a workout machine; performing a workout using the resistance-band 110 and the exercise-attachment 130; and step four 504, removing the resistance-band 110 and the exercise-attachment 130 from the workout machine.

It should be noted that step four 504 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for smart resistance bands system 100 (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A smart resistance bands system comprising: a resistance-band including a first-end, a second-end opposite the first-end and a length defined therebetween, said first-end including an attachment-clip, and said second-end being attached to an exercise-attachment; and a power source; wherein said smart resistance bands system is further equipped with wireless connectivity capabilities and is in communication with a network and at least one smart device; and wherein said resistance-bands include a sensor system configured to track user parameters, workout metrics, and communicate data directly to said at least one smart device.
 2. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein said exercise-attachment includes a foot-section configured to receive and support a foot of a user on a platform.
 3. The smart resistance bands system of claim 2, wherein said foot-section includes at least one adjustable-strap and said platform.
 4. The smart resistance bands system of claim 3, wherein said platform includes a stopper and an open-end opposing said stopper.
 5. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein said sensor system includes means to sense movement.
 6. The smart resistance bands system of claim 5, wherein said means to sense movement includes an accelerometer.
 7. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein said resistance-band is configured to be used in combination with an exercise machine to provide an interactive exercise.
 8. The smart resistance bands system of claim 7, further includes a software application hosted on said smart device and in communication with said resistance-band providing said interactive exercise.
 9. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of said resistance-band are configured to be connected over said network for said interactive exercise and group classes.
 10. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein said resistance-band include adjustable features positioned at said first-end for adjusting resistance.
 11. The smart resistance bands system of claim 10, wherein said resistance-band further includes adjustable features positioned at said second-end for resistance-adjustment.
 12. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein said sensor system includes a microprocessor, programmable RAM and short-link radio technology.
 13. The smart resistance bands system of claim 12, wherein said sensor system includes memory configured to store said data and workout history.
 14. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein said power source includes a battery.
 15. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein said attachment-clip includes a carabiner.
 16. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein said workout metrics include repetitions, sets, level of resistance, velocity, and duration of workout.
 17. The smart resistance bands system of claim 1, wherein said exercise-attachment is selected from the group consisting of hand-grip-attachments, foot-attachments, bicycle pedal, and boxing mitts.
 18. A smart resistance bands system, the smart resistance bands system comprising: a resistance-band including a first-end, a second-end opposite the first-end and a length defined therebetween, said first-end including an attachment-clip, and said second-end being attached to an exercise-attachment; and a power source; wherein said smart resistance bands system is further equipped with wireless connectivity capabilities and is in communication with a network and at least one smart device; wherein said resistance-bands include a sensor system configured to track user parameters, workout metrics, and communicate data directly to said at least one smart device; wherein said workout metrics include repetitions, sets, level of resistance, velocity, and duration of workout; wherein said exercise-attachment includes a foot-section configured to receive and support a foot of a user on a platform; wherein said foot-section includes at least one adjustable-strap and said platform; wherein said platform includes a stopper and an open-end opposing said stopper; wherein said sensor system includes means to sense movement; wherein said means to sense movement includes an accelerometer; wherein said resistance-band is configured to be used in combination with an exercise machine to provide an interactive exercise; wherein said smart resistance bands system further includes a software application hosted on said smart device and in communication with said resistance-band providing said interactive exercise; wherein a plurality of said resistance-band are configured to be connected over said network for said interactive exercise and group classes; wherein said sensor system includes a microprocessor, programmable RAM and short-link radio technology; wherein said sensor system includes memory configured to store said data and workout history; wherein said resistance-band include adjustable features positioned at said first-end and said second-end for adjusting resistance; wherein said power source includes a battery.
 19. A method of using a smart resistance bands system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a resistance-band including a power source, a first-end, a second-end opposite the first-end and a length defined therebetween, said first-end including an attachment-clip, and said second-end being attached to an exercise-attachment; wherein said smart resistance bands system is further equipped with wireless connectivity capabilities and is in communication with a network and at least one smart device; and wherein said resistance-bands include a sensor system configured to track user parameters, workout metrics, and communicate data directly to said at least one smart device; pairing said resistance-band and said exercise-attachment to said at least one smart device; attaching said resistance-band to a workout machine; and performing a workout using said resistance-band and said exercise-attachment.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: removing said resistance-band and said exercise-attachment from said workout machine. 